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Below, the News highlights what happened after the attack unfolded – and Mr Dobbin’s long and heartbreaking fight to recovery.

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Simon Dobbin's long fight to recovery after Southend attack

About Simon Dobbin

The trial heard that Simon Dobbin was born on June 16, 1972. As of March 21, 2015, he was 42 years old. Mr Dobbin's friend William East said he became a fan of Cambridge United just one year before the attack. On the day of the attack, he travelled to Southend with friends on the train to watch CUFC play Southend United.

A drink with friends after the football game

Mr Dobbin, now 44 and from Mildenhall, was among a group of Cambridge fans who had stayed for a post-match drink in the Blue Boar pub in Southend, the designated pub for away supporters.

Mr Dobbin seen on CCTV hours before attack

During the course of the trial at Basildon Crown Court, Mr Dobbin was seen on CCTV laughing and joking with his friend William East hours before the attack, which changed his life forever.

Friends describe moment Mr Dobbin was set upon

Mr Dobbin's wife Nicole, who has attended the trial on a daily basis, broke down in tears as friends of Mr Dobbin described the moment the group were set upon by a number of Southend fans. Other witnesses told the jury that Mr Dobbin was hit and stamped on repeatedly while on the floor. One friend William East became emotional as he told jurors how he woke up after being knocked unconscious and thought Mr Dobbin was dead.

Mr Dobbin found by police

At approximately 7.15pm on March 21, 2015, Mr Dobbin was found by an inspector of Essex Police about half way along Station Approach in Prittlewell.

He was lying on his left side in what appeared to be the recovery position.

'United we stand - one Simon Dobbin'

Just days after the attack, fans from all over the world stood in support of Mr Dobbin, a father-of-three. Hundreds of Mildenhall residents gathered for a fundraising match at the town's football club.

Meanwhile U's fans held aloft a banner bearing the words 'United we stand. One Simon Dobbin' at the team's match against Hartlepool. Various fundraising for Mr Dobbin's family raised more than £17,000.

Mr Dobbin left with severe communication difficulties

In a witness statement dated May 4, 2016, a consultant at rehab medicine in Norwich states that one of the effects of Mr Dobbin’s brain injury is that he has severe communication difficulties. Jurors heard that Mr Dobbin will maintain eye contact, but his primary method of communication is through facial expression.

Discharged home to his family

Mr Dobbin was discharged home to his family on March 16, 2016 - and family and friends planned a big welcome for Mr Dobbin, with neighbours decking their homes out in balloons and banners to welcome him home. To this day Mr Dobbin remains unable, as a result of his condition, to communicate any account of the violent attack.

'We have a new dad to make memories with'

Two months on from the attack, Mr Dobbin's daughter Rebecca spoke of the family's desire to make new memories with her father – and their intent to raise as much money as possible for head injury charity Headway. She told the News: "As a family, we are still shocked and stunned that a man goes to a game that he is passionate for and enjoyed playing and never returns home.

"He will never be the man he once was, but the comfort for his family and myself is that we have a new dad to make memories with."

Mr Dobbin speaks for first time since the attack

In August 2015, Mr Dobbin spoke his first words since the incident.

The family man was able to speak to his family for the first time in five months.

Emily Dobbin, Simon's daughter, shared the news on her Facebook page, which read: "Today was the first day we heard dad's voice in over 5 months! It was so amazing to watch, he managed to count to 40, recite the alphabet, go through family names and tell us he loves us!

"Although he did sound like a chain smoker, I couldn't be more proud."

'Simon doesn't have a life' says wife Nicole

In February 2016, Mr Dobbin's wife Nicole spoke to the News about her husband's attack and how his and his family's lives have been changed forever by football violence.

She said: "There were three times when I was told he was not going to make it. He has pulled through and he is alive – but he doesn't have a life."

“The support over the last two years has been brilliant and we just don’t want Simon to be forgotten about. I want people to remember Simon the way he was, and to know that although he has had life changing injuries, he is still in there.”

'I've put my life on hold, but I wouldn't have it any other way'

In February this year, Mr Dobbin's wife Nicole spoke of not dwelling on her husband’s past because it “tugs on her heartstrings”.